UNESCO’s Media, IMILI Marks The Beginning Of Transformative Journey, Says Information Minister

The Federal Government has described the launch of the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI) as the beginning of a transformative journey for Nigeria, Africa, and the global community in promoting responsible information use, strengthening democratic resilience, and combating misinformation.

Speaking at the close of the two-day official launch of IMILI held at the National Open University of Nigeria, the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the establishment of the Institute marks a defining moment that positions Nigeria at the forefront of global efforts to advance media and information literacy in the digital age.

Represented by the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Press Council, Dr. Dili Ezughah, the Minister noted that the successful hosting of the Institute reflects the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in promoting transparency, civic engagement, and inclusive national development.

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“This marks the beginning of a transformative journey, not just for Nigeria, but for Africa and the global community. IMILI is more than an institution; it is a platform for collaboration, innovation, and measurable impact in media and information literacy,” the Minister stated.

Highlighting the Development Impact of the initiative, the Minister noted that deliberations during the two-day event, from goodwill messages to the presentation of IMILI’s Strategic Plan (2026–2030), have provided a clear and actionable roadmap for the Institute’s vision, operations, and long-term sustainability.

He emphasised that IMILI is designed as a global hub for research, capacity building, and policy dialogue, bringing together educators, journalists, policymakers, and young leaders to strengthen critical thinking and responsible engagement within the information ecosystem. “The conversations we have had over the past two days have laid a solid foundation for sustained action. What is required now is commitment; commitment to partnerships, to implementation, and to measurable progress that will benefit not just Nigeria, but the global community,” he added.

Reinforcing the Unity and Partnership Angle, the Minister stressed that discussions at the event underscored the importance of a whole-of-society approach involving government, the private sector, academia, media, civil society, and international partners, including UNESCO.

According to him, such collaboration is essential to effectively tackle the growing challenges of misinformation, disinformation, and declining trust in institutions, which have far-reaching implications for governance, peace, and social cohesion.

Speaking on the global relevance of the initiative, the Minister reiterated that media and information literacy is no longer optional but critical in an era shaped by rapid technological advancement, artificial intelligence, and the constant flow of information. “The ability to think critically, verify information, and engage responsibly is fundamental to building resilient societies and safeguarding democratic institutions,” he added.

“At a time when information can both unite and divide, IMILI provides the tools to ensure that knowledge empowers rather than misleads. This is central to building trust, strengthening democracy, and securing a more stable and informed future,” the Minister further stated.

IMILI Marks The Beginning Of Transformative Journey

Describing Nigeria’s hosting of the world’s first UNESCO Category 2 Institute dedicated to Media and Information Literacy as both a moment of national pride and a call to global responsibility, the Minister urged stakeholders to lead by example in promoting truth, accountability, and ethical communication.

Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment, he assured that the Ministry of Information and National Orientation will continue to work closely with UNESCO, development partners, academic institutions, and the media to ensure that IMILI delivers meaningful and measurable outcomes.

The Minister further called on stakeholders to sustain the momentum generated at the launch by translating ideas into concrete actions, strengthening partnerships, and fostering a culture where information empowers citizens, strengthens unity, and drives sustainable development.

The event brought together key stakeholders from government, academia, and the communications sector, including the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Press Council, Dr. Dili Ezughah, who represented the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, fnipr; former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed; Vice Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria, Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma; Director Public Communications, Barr. Henshaw Ogubike, who represented the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr. Binyerem C. Ukaire; Director of IMILI, Dr. Sharon Omotosho; and President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Dr. Ike Neliaku, among other distinguished dignitaries.

Rabiu Ibrahim, mnipr
Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation.

Thursday, April 30, 2026

IGP Disu Pays Operational Visit To Akwa Ibom, Presides Over Passing-Out Ceremony Of 1,068 Retrained Constables

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, today, 30th April 2026, undertook an official visit to Akwa Ibom State, where he paid a courtesy call on the Executive Governor, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, ahead of the passing-out ceremony of retrained Police Constables in Uyo.

The engagement with the State Government focused on strengthening institutional collaboration in support of ongoing policing reforms anchored on professionalism, accountability, and intelligence-led operations.

The Inspector-General of Police reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to building a modern, service-driven institution that prioritizes public trust and operational efficiency.

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Governor Umo Eno, in his remarks, welcomed the Inspector-General of Police and commended the Nigeria Police Force for its ongoing reforms aimed at improving professionalism, discipline, and service delivery. He reiterated the State Government’s readiness to continue supporting security agencies in ensuring the safety and well-being of residents.

Subsequently, the Inspector-General of Police presided over the passing-out ceremony of one thousand and sixty-eight (1,068) retrained Police Constables at the Police Mobile Force Base, 26 PMF, Uyo.

Addressing the newly retrained officers, the IGP
emphasized that the exercise was part of a deliberate effort to strengthen operational competence, particularly in weapons handling, discipline, and adherence to established rules of engagement, including Force Order 237. He noted that effective policing requires not only courage but professionalism, restraint, and respect for human rights.

The IGP reiterated the Force’s zero-tolerance stance on misuse of firearms and extra-judicial conduct, stressing that any officer found culpable of such acts will face immediate dismissal and prosecution in accordance with the law.

He further commended the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, for the successful execution of the retraining programme, particularly the inclusion and performance of female officers, describing the initiative as a model for Commands nationwide.

IGP Disu, Umo Eno

The Inspector-General also acknowledged recent operational successes within the State, including the rescue of kidnapped victims along the Calabar–Oron waterways, noting that such achievements reflect the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and inter-agency collaboration.

The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to building a professional, accountable, and citizen-focused institution, capable of effectively responding to evolving security challenges across the country.

DCP ANTHONY OKON PLACID, psc(+), mnipr, mni Force Public Relations Officer Force Headquarters, Abuja. 30th April 2026

Stronger Collaboration Key To Winning The Fight Against Corruption, Says Olukoyede

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukovede has called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to combat the menace of corruption and economic and financial crimes in the country, noting that “We believe that through collaboration and concerted efforts the fight against corruption can be won”.

The Chairman stated this on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 during a sensitization campaign/town hall meeting on the ills of corruption held at the Auditorium of the Nigerian Bar Association, Benin City.

Olukoyede who spoke through the Ag Zonal Director, Benin Zonal Directorate, Deputy Commander of the EFCC, DCE Sa’ad Hanafi Sa’ad, disclosed that the programme was organised in line with the strategic objective of the Commission to enlighten and engage the public on economic and financial crimes.

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“We organised this event to bring together stakeholders in the fight against corruption to learn from our resource persons some of the new trends in cybercrime, investment fraud, compliance with money laundering regulations and the great strides recorded by the EFCC over the years. We believe that as stakeholders in the fight against corruption, there is the need for you to know the latest development in the anti-corruption fight”, he said.

The EFCC’s boss lamented that despite valuable opportunities in the cyber space, some young people have chosen to use the space for criminality and fraud. “It is pervasive and is a stain on us as a people and as a nation. Some youths have embraced cybercrime to the detriment of their future and the image of the nation.” He charged young persons to look inward and be intentional in their decision by shunning acts of criminality and embracing hard work while emphasising that there is no shortcut to wealth.

He urged the participants at the event which included members of the National Youth Service Corps, Civil Society Organisations, Compliance officers of Banks, officers from National Orientation Agency, members of the Nigerian Bar-Association, Accountants, Automobile Dealers amongst others to become EFCC foot soldier by spreading the Commission anti corruption message. “It is our firm belief that after this event, your capacity to engage and propagate our message would have been enhanced.”

In his paper, Naira Abuse and Cybercrime, Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, ASE Idrisu Eddie Edegbo listed new trends in cybercrime to include Artificial intelligence Fraud, Cryptocurrency fraud, Fake Application and Social Media Account Hacking. “Face of fraud keeps changing as technology advances. It is important we advance our knowledge so we are not caught unawares’, he said.

He warned young people against peer pressure and to be real. “Don’t be pressured. Many of the things you see in social media that put pressure on you are not real. Avoid it and stay focus” he stated.

Speaking on the topic: “EFCC from the Beginning, Successes and Challenges” Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE 1 Williams Oseghale stated that the EFCC since it began operation on April 13, 2003 have recorded tremendous achievements securing convictions across all sectors- bank fraud, property fraud, advance fee fraud, economic governance amongst others.

Ola Olukoyede

Notably, he stated, the conviction and subsequent deportation of 193 foreigners who were arrested for cybercrime in Lagos remains a milestone. He further noted that the Commission also secured the conviction of politically exposed persons including past governors, local government chairmen, top civil servants and public officers amongst several others while monies and property worth billions of naira have also been recovered.

“The EFCC continues to raise the bar in the fight against corruption through convictions and asset recovery. In one single operation, the Commission made the largest single recovery of 753 duplexes in Abuja.”